Kerala, a state defined by fronts rather than faces, is heading into a high-stakes election. With welfare etched at the core of its political identity, what other factors are shaping the battlefield?

Pinarayi Vijayan

Business Standard

The EC on Wednesday noted that political advertisements were appearing on channels and online platforms on the eve of the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls and sought that they be removed immediately.
The instruction was circulated by the EC's Kerala office in an official WhatsApp group comprising media groups and journalists.
"Advertisements are appearing on channels and online platforms. This is not permitted during the silence period. It is requested that these be withdrawn immediately," the message said.
According to the EC, campaigning through public meetings, rallies, media interactions and election-related interviews was strictly prohibited during the silence period to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders.
It has also directed that no person shall display to the public any 'election matter' by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus, including radio, during the 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll.
The 'election matter' will include

ECI, election commission of india, election commission

The instruction was circulated by the EC's Kerala office in an official WhatsApp group comprising media groups and journalists

Press Trust of India

For the CPI(M), a victory is essential to preserve its last bastion in the country. The CPI(M) has remained relevant in Kerala even as it was voted out of power in West Bengal and Tripura

CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby said a third term would hinge on effective communication, attributing recent losses to disinformation campaigns and overconfidence

Despite fewer sittings, Kerala Assembly saw faster lawmaking and high committee use, raising concerns over compressed scrutiny and limited legislative deliberation

Kerala Legislative Assembly

Nearly 40 per cent candidates face criminal cases while share of crorepatis rises to 39 per cent, underlining entrenched criminalisation and growing role of money in elections

Illustration: Ajaya Mohanty

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday alleged that the CPI(M)-led front has struck a "deal" with the BJP for April 9 Assembly polls in Kerala.
She also accused the ruling LDF of "compromising" on ideology, accountability, and responsibility in order to remain in power for 10 years.
The Wayanad MP was addressing a corner meeting in Peravoor in this northern district as part of the campaign for the Assembly polls.
The LDF chose to make a deal with the BJP, who "harasses" the minorities, especially the Christian community and their nuns, she claimed.
Despite the massive theft in Sabarimala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose not to utter a single word against it, Vadra alleged, and pointed it out as evidence for the deal.
When anyone raises a voice against the PM, they are faced with CBI, ED or income tax cases. There is no such single case against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, she claimed.
She further charged that a sense of arrogance had crept into the LDF ...

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi

The Wayanad MP also accused the ruling LDF of 'compromising' on ideology, accountability, and responsibility in order to remain in power for 10 years

As the Kerala Assembly polls campaign enters its final phase, the ruling LDF on Monday released its progress report, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan claiming that around 97 per cent of the promises made in 2021 have been fulfilled.
Releasing the report at a press conference here, Vijayan said that people have the right to know the extent to which election promises have been implemented.
Respecting that right, the LDF government has, since 2016, presented an annual progress report to the public.
"We believe that providing an account as a government is a responsibility. This report briefly summarises the progress of the fifth year of the government that assumed office in 2021," he said.
Vijayan, who leads the LDF campaign for the April 9 polls, stated that in 2021, 900 promises were placed before the people in the manifesto.
"Of these, approximately 97 per cent of the promises have already been fulfilled or have reached an effective stage of implementation," he added.
Kerala w

Vijayan, who leads the LDF for the April 9 polls, stated that in 2021, 900 promises were placed before the people in the manifesto out of which 97% have already been fulfilled

Nemom and Kazhakkoottam emerge as key battlegrounds as BJP looks to convert recent gains into Assembly seats amid voter churn and local issues

Billboards of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan are frequently spotted along the national highways

Kitex-backed Twenty20 enters Kerala's Assembly polls with NDA, pitching its Kizhakkambalam model as a disruptor in the state's bipolar political landscape

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman campaigns for the NDA in Kerala, accompanied by Twenty20 founder Sabu Jacob (extreme right) | Photo: Twenty20

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the upcoming Kerala assembly polls are not merely for changing the government, but to improve the state's future.
Shah, at a public meeting in Kunnathunadu constituency here, noted that NDA vote share in Kerala increased since 2014 Lok Sabha polls and its time for a government of the BJP-led front in the state.
He wished Christian community on Easter and called on them to support NDA to form government in Kerala.
The Home Minister further said that justice for all and appeasement of none is the stand of the BJP-led NDA across the country.
Taking a dig at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, he said the Marxist leader has started a new startup of changing names.
Shah said that Vijayan changes names of all centrally funded projects in the state to take credit for the same.
Assembly polls will be held in Kerala on April 9.

In this image posted on April 5, 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a roadshow ahead of the Kerala Assembly election, in Kozhikode, Kerala. (@AmitShah/X via PTI Photo)

He wished Christian community on Easter and called on them to support NDA to form government in Kerala

Kerala Elections 2026 Updates: Get the latest news on Kerala Assembly polls, opinion poll trends, key candidates, party-wise seat predictions, and real-time political developments. Stay updated with all major highlights on Business Standard.

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